- Must visit
Latvian National Museum of Art
Latvia’s main art museum, known for its national collection, major temporary exhibitions, and impressive historic building.
Cheapest
Tartu, Bussijaam
Rīga, Rīgas Starptautiskā Autoosta
$291•One-way
Cheapest, Fastest
Tartu, Bussijaam
Riga, Ilukstes street/Plavnieki
$291•One-way
The cheapest and fastest busesfrom Tartu to RigaShowing times and prices for Jul 09
Cheapest price
$29
Average price
$29
Fastest journey
3h 30m
Average duration
3h 35m
Buses per day
2
Distance
222 km
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Tartu to Riga train with Elron
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Tartu to Riga
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Tartu to Riga among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $18, and a bus costs an average of $16.
Distance: 138 miles (223 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$21 Average price Cheapest | $28 Average price | $50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 19m Average total duration 3h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 16m Average total duration Fastest 3h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Tartu to Riga is a train with an average price of $21 (€18).
This is compared to other travel options from Tartu to Riga:
A train is $7 (€6) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Tartu to Riga costing on average $28 (€23).
The fastest way to travel from Tartu to Riga is by bus with an average journey time of 3h 46m.
Other travel options to Riga take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 49m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Tartu and Riga including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Tartu to Riga among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Elron, LTG Link.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Tartu to Riga train times
The table below shows live departures for Tartu to Riga trains for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 12:52 PM Tartu | 3h56 | 4:48 PM Riga | 0 transfersDirect | |
 | 5:05 PM Tartu | 3h41 | 8:46 PM Riga | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Tartu to Riga by train or bus
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Tartu to Riga
Estonia
Latvia
Trains from Tartu to Riga run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $18 (€15) but you can travel from only $16 (€14) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 12:52, the last at 17:05. The fastest train covers the 138 miles (223 km) distance in 3h 41m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $16 (€14)
Distance 138 miles (223 km) |
Average train duration 3h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€15) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 3h 41m |
First train 12:52 PM |
Last train 5:05 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $16 (€14)
Train companies: Elron, LTG Link from Tartu to Riga trainsElron, LTG Link trains will get you between Tartu and Riga from $16 (€14). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Elron
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 41m
Cheapest Price
$24 (€20)
Elron frequency
1 a day
LTG Link
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 56m
Cheapest Price
$18 (€15)
LTG Link frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Riga
Things to do in Riga
Discover the best of Riga — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Riga trip today.
- Must visit
Riga Motor Museum
One of the Baltics’ best transport museums, featuring classic cars, Soviet vehicles, and interactive displays.
- Must visit
Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
A powerful museum explaining Latvia’s experience under Soviet and Nazi occupations through documents, objects, and testimonies.
- Must visit
Vecriga
Riga’s Old Town is the city’s essential walking area, packed with medieval streets, squares, and landmark buildings.
- Must visit
Alberta iela
The city’s most famous Art Nouveau street, ideal for architecture lovers and one of Riga’s most photographed spots.
- Recommended
Dome Square
A central Old Town square framed by historic buildings and Riga Cathedral, often used for events and seasonal markets.
- Gluten-free
Pelēkie Zirņi Ar Speķi
Grey peas cooked and served with fried bacon and onions, one of Latvia’s most iconic traditional dishes, especially in winter.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Rupjmaize
Dense Latvian dark rye bread with a slightly sweet, malty flavor, a staple of local meals and national food culture.
- Vegetarian
Sklandrausis
A traditional shortcrust tart filled with potato and carrot, associated with western Latvia and recognized as part of Latvian culinary heritage.
Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs
A famous cellar tavern for Latvian food, beer, and live folk atmosphere, popular for traditional dishes in Old Riga.
Milda
A well-regarded restaurant serving refined Latvian cuisine with seasonal ingredients in a modern but welcoming setting.
3 Pavāru Restorāns
An established contemporary restaurant by noted chefs, known for creative Latvian-inspired tasting dishes and polished service.
Euro
Moderate by European standards. Old Town dining costs more, while local cafes and transit stay fairly affordable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- EUR 18-35 per person.
- Fine dining
- EUR 60-120 per person.
- Coffee
- EUR 2.50-4.50 for coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or modest. Rounding up is common; 5-10% for good restaurant service is appreciated, but not mandatory. Small tips for taxis are optional.
Rigas Satiksme
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 1.50
- Day pass
- EUR 5.00
To the city center
Riga International Airport, Riga -> Riga Central Station, Riga
- Distance
- 10 km
- Travel time
- 30 min
- Buy tickets in the official app or from ticket machines before boarding to pay the lower fare. A higher fare applies if you buy from the driver where available.
- Card payment is available on many ticket machines, but not always directly on board buses, trams, or trolleybuses. Validate your ticket after boarding.
FAQs: Trains from Tartu to Riga
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Tartu to Riga by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Riga, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Tartu to Riga can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $18 (€15), while the average price is around $21 (€18).
The train from Tartu to Riga takes 3h 41m and runs 2 per day.
The distance by train from Tartu to Riga is 138 miles (223 km).
The first train from Tartu to Riga leaves at 12:52 PM.
The last train from Tartu to Riga leaves at 5:05 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Tartu to Riga.
Yes, there is a direct train from Tartu to Riga. This service operates 2 times per day, provided by Elron, LTG Link.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Tartu to Riga.
The cheapest way to get from Tartu to Riga is by bus, with a cost of around $16 (€14).
The train journey from Tartu to Riga offers some scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of southern Estonia and northern Latvia, showcasing forests, fields, and quaint rural areas.
A day trip from Tartu to Riga is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 41m each way. The distance is 138 miles (223 km), and trains run 2 times per day.
In Riga, you can explore the Riga Cathedral, the largest medieval church in the Baltic states, and enjoy its impressive organ. Attend a performance at the Latvian National Opera, known for its high-quality productions. Relax at Jurmala Beach, a popular seaside resort town near Riga. Discover Latvian and international art at the Latvian National Museum of Art, and experience the vibrant cultural hub of Kalnciema Quarter with its markets and events. Visit Riga Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with medieval architecture, and shop at Riga Central Market, one of Europe's largest. Enjoy panoramic views from St. Peter's Church, admire the Art Nouveau District's intricate facades, and learn about traditional Latvian rural life at the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum.
Three to four days is ideal to explore Riga's main attractions, including the Old Town, Art Nouveau architecture, and local markets.
Yes, you can take the train from Tartu to Riga.
Since both Tartu and Riga are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Tartu to Riga among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Latvia uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. For travelers, card payments are widely accepted in cities and larger establishments, making them convenient for most purchases, while cash may be preferred in small towns, markets, or rural areas.
In Riga, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Old Town and public transport. Common scams include overpriced taxi rides without meters and currency exchange fraud at unofficial exchange points. It's advised to use official taxis, avoid street money changers, and keep belongings secure in busy spots.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Tartu to Riga
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Most popular trains to and from Riga and Tartu
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